Parreira calls World Cup preparations ‘a joke’

Brazil's national team technical director, Carlos Alberto Parreira, has criticised the country’s preparations for the event amidst the backdrop of nationwide protests.

Former players Romário and Rivaldo have already voiced their opinions that preparations could have been better in terms of benefitting the country as a whole.

On Sunday, Natal’s Arena das Dunas became the first stadium to be inaugurated since the Confederations Cup. The main reason of concern, however, is Brazil’s infrastructure, which has barely improved as the event looms just months away.

"We wasted an opportunity to provide comfort and to show a different Brazil," Parreira told Rádio CBN. "We wanted everything ready for the World Cup, but in the end it was total neglect."

"The airports, for example, will be awarded by public bidding in March, three months before the World Cup, it's a joke, we were chosen seven years ago, and they will do that only now?"

"The citizens are concerned about what affects them, a lot of things are wrong, the economy is declining, unemployment is big, there is a lack of health care, poor education, lack of security."

"All of that angers people, who feel like they are not a priority. All protests are valid, as long as they are not violent."